Before the passage of regulations dictating mined land reclamation and mine water discharge standards, streams and rivers down-gradient of mine sites were often contaminated with high levels of suspended and dissolved solids. In the eastern United States, Acid Mine Drainage was also a major problem. Nowadays, streams and rivers near active mine sites have much less of an impact. Sediment ponds are constructed to collect suspended solids and if the mine water does not meet regulations, chemicals [typically lime, Ca(OH) 3 ] are added to neutralize acidity and precipitate dissolved metals. (more…)
Currently, site reclamation is planned for during the permitting process and is incorporated into the mining operation. However, th ...
Historically, mining companies have extracted the earth’s resources wherever economics made it feasible, secure in their knowledge ...
Although underground coal mines operations are not as visible as surface mining, their overall environmental impact can be greater ...
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Acid deposition and the associated particulate nitrates and sulfates are implicated in the deterioration of certain sensitive e ...
Currently, site reclamation is planned for during the permitting process and is incorporated into the mining operation. However, this was not always the case. Many mine sites were legally abandoned in an un-reclaimed or poorly reclaimed condition because mining was completed before environmental regulations went into effect. These abandoned mines are scars on the landscape and cause most of the water pollution attributed to mining. These old mines are considered abandoned because, in most countries, no one is legally required to reclaim the land or to treat the water. A similar problem occurs at mine sites that are or were operated by companies that have gone bankrupt. (more…)
Although underground coal mines operations are not as visible as surface mining, their overall environmental impact can be greater ...
Before the passage of regulations dictating mined land reclamation and mine water discharge standards, streams and rivers down-grad ...
Historically, mining companies have extracted the earth’s resources wherever economics made it feasible, secure in their knowledge ...
Federal Excise Taxes placed on specific energy sources tend to reduce energy demand for these energy sources in both the short ...
Coal is an important energy source and energy consumption in United States as well as worldwide. It will remain so for many yea ...
